Movies I Watched Instead of Writing: Part 2

Looney Tunes Back in Action [2003] -- Joe Dante rules. I'm not that big a fan of Bugs and company in general, but Beej picked up both sets and they've been getting a fair deal of action around here. Filled with lots of references, particularly to old sci-fi movies and even a giggle worthy Gremlins joke. Way more fun than I expected and satisfyingly clever. Smarter than your average kids movie.

Garden State [2004] -- I know a lot of people are very divided on this movie and I really didn't expect to like it that much. I thought I would like it initially, but then it seemed a little overly clever and cute for cuteness sake which had been one of the major complaints I had heard. However, some amazing performances (Peter Sarsgaard should be a HUGE star) and a sense of whimsy that is sadly missing from films these days combined to create a very affecting movie. Until the end, but I was able to forgive Zach Braff 'cause he made me cry.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou [2004] -- Again, a lot of people are divided on this movie but I love everything Wes Anderson does and I really enjoyed this movie. People who complain that it was too cute just don't like his movies because I found this one considerably less auspicious than his previous movies. A fun, strange adventure about fathers and sons. Also, the Portuguese covers of David Bowie songs are really cool.

Albino Alligator [1996] -- Other than a few good performances (William Fitchner and Gary Sinise in particular) this was a totally stale, forgetable caper flick. Only watched it because we were stuck in Chilliwack and I didn't really feel like watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding again. That and Beej wanted to see if Spacey could direct before deriding Beyond the Sea. Let the derision begin.

Attack the Gas Station [1999] -- I'm afraid I'm going to have to rewatch this one because I didn't really realize it was a comedy. I mean, I know it was funny, I'm just not sure I "got" it. It couldn't have helped that I was really tired and possibly a little drunk. Korean pop stars have the best hair.

Ocean's Twelve [2004] -- Hip, clever and surprisingly fun. The kind of movie that seems to revel in its lack of plot. As close as Soderberg's ever come to making a Richard Lester movie.

Holidaze Wrap Up

Hope the Xmas Bunny was good to everyone and a special thank you to everyone who made it out to the D.o.S. Xmassacre 2004. I know you probably all hate me now, but wasn't the food good?...

In other news, RIP Jerry Orbach (Lennie Briscoe from "Law & Order" and the voice of Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast) who died earlier today. I always considered him extremely underrated and was sad to hear of his passing.

On a happier note, we've started some preliminary plans for the HONEYMOON, including a trip here. I'm so excited I can barely keep still.

Saw a bunch of movies, will try to post mini-reviews later...

More Linkage

Stumbled across a couple new film sites today while "working". The second one in particular, which boast a whack of interesting articles and interviews.

I Guess I'm Not That Surprised...

Well, maybe a little...

My life is rated NC-17.
What is your life rated?

So Cool...

If anyone wants to know what to get me for my birthday, I offer hints here and here.

Fresh New Look

In an effort to trick myself into taking my writing (more) seriously I have opted for a new, sophisticated look. I figure if it looks like I know what I'm doing then I'd better live up to expectations and stick to my deadlines. At least that's the theory...

Let me know if you have trouble reading things since most PCs seem to display things much darker than my sparklingly bright eMac.

For the Nerd in All of Us

Courtesy of Sci-Fi Daily.

Video of both Shatner and Nimoy making total asses of themselves. Granted none of this is new, but if you haven't seen them yet you really should "treat" yourself.

You can thank me later.

Where's The Squirrel Who Says "Wheeee!"?

You are Rejected. An animated short that was
nominated for an Oscar (2000), you seem to have
a hilarious personality that infects other
people. Do you find that people are often
quoting you? I wouldn't be surprised. You're
popular, but can get old pretty fast. Keep
coming up with new material and you'll do fine.

If you don't get the reference, try to find someone
who has Rejected on their computer. If you
don't get the reference, check yourself out at
http://www.bitterfilms.com


What Internet phenomenon are you? -updated-
brought to you by Quizilla

Xmas Massacre 2004!!

A preview of what you'll miss if you don't make it out on the 18th.

For Those of You Who Care

So I finally got off my butt and wrote another D.o.S. column. You can read it on Film Threat here.

Also, in case you were wondering where I've been, below is a list of movies I've watched recently instead on writing my column. With thumbnail reviews and star ratings for enjoyability.

Seoul Train [2004] ****
Devastating documentary about the North Korean underground railroad and the people who risk their lives running it.

Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack [2001] ***
I've never really been a big Godzilla nut, but this one returns to the original themes of war and devastation and is really exciting to watch. Also, I love Baragon.

Predator [1987] **
No really. I've never seen it before. Actually pretty damn good for what it is.

Elf [2003] ***
If you're not a fan of Will Ferrell you probably shouldn't bother because you just won't like it.

Chronicles of Riddick [2004] **
I call this a throw back movie. Very 1980's sci-fi (think, smashing you over the head with metaphor without a hint of irony). Still, I did fall asleep during one the many 'splosion scenes.

Shrek 2 [2004] ***
PUSS IN BOOTS!!! Other than that, more of the same. Beginning to think Mike Meyers should have been assassinated shortly after the first Austin Powers movie.

The Machinist [2004] ***
I really like this movie, but I'll admit up front, there ain't much to it. Viewing it in the context of Hitchcock helps.

To Catch a Thief [1955] ****
Speaking of Hitchcock. Carey Grant is uber-smooth and Grace Kelly is the pinnacle of elegant.

The Incredibles [2004] ****
Entertaining, exciting and great for nerds and kids alike. A near perfect family movie.

The Iron Giant [1999] ****
Another excellent family film by Brad Bird that had both the boy and I crying like little girls. Tragically underrated and totally mismarketed when it came out.

Hero [2002] ****
Enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. The historical context makes the story even more compelling. Also, Jet Li doesn't suck in it.

Love Actually [2003] ***
Enjoyed this more the second time around. A good warm fuzzy kind of movie to watch with your mom.

Dodgeball [2004] **
Rip Torn makes this movie.

Bourne Supremacy [2004] ****
Really liked the first one (although I have one problem with it), and the sequel similarly succeeds in being a surprising, smarter than average action movie. Also has one of the best car chases captured on celluloid.

More added as I think of them.

ETA:
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex *But Were Afraid to Ask [1972] ****
Although I do enjoy Woody Allen's work (I have no opinion on his latest films as I have not yet seen them, but I'm not jumping over myself to do so either), I admittedly have not seen most of his early films. The boy and I sat down to rectify this and I have to say it was great. Soooo funny. And it boasts an amazing cast.